Newspaper Column – The Cornishman – 15/12/25

• I stood with the British Jewish community in Parliament Square on Monday evening in a gentle vigil, against terrorism and hate-inspired prejudice. To bring light to overcome the darkness. Our thoughts with the families and friends of the victims of the appalling terror attack in Sydney, Australia.  While Jewish communities come together to celebrate Chanukah, we should stand together with them and against violence and the hate ideology behind the appalling attack. We must all strive to break the cycle of hatred and retribution which fuels these atrocities. Chanukah reflects the struggle against antisemitic oppression in another era, and calls on us to redouble our efforts in that same endeavour today. Just as we must overcome the hate-inspired prejudice against all communities. Antisemitism and Islamophobia are two parts of the same coin. 

While we gathered near the Churchill statue, I was further saddened though by a small vignette which symbolised where it goes wrong. To witness that ribbons left on lampposts by previous protests symbolising a desire for peace in Gaza and for Palestinian rights, were deliberately and brutally cut down with glee and replaced with star of David stickers calling for the same sentiments, for respect, peace and to combat hatred. A missed opportunity I thought, for both symbols to stand together, entwined and working together (on the same lamppost), in defiance of those whose ideology is to promote division.  

 

• In the meantime I gently send my Season’s wishes (including in card form)… Singing “Peace on Earth” during the festive season is not enough. For thousands in Sudan, Ukraine, the Middle East and elsewhere, 2025 has been a year of war, devastation and tragedy. 

Reflecting on my visit to Bethlehem at Easter, during a tour of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, I was struck by the contrast between the images of the Bethlehem of Christ’s birth, the nativity story and Christmas carols, with the present-day environment of violence, military occupation, displaced refugees, death and conflict.  Looking forward to 2026, we must continue to strive for peace, for two states – Israel and Palestine – and for both to co-exist and thrive, in mutual respect, secure within their own borders. 

 

• Further light in the winter darkness for some local families in desperate housing need. I visited the near complete site of 79 new genuinely affordable homes for local families in Gulval, ready for occupation shortly.  

At a time when housing pressures and problems for local people are as intense as they have ever been, this is wonderful news for 79 local families. Of course there is still much more to do, but this is a light on the horizon which will be a celebration for many this Christmas. I was involved in supporting this as local Councillor for the ward, and delighted to see the project completed. 

Congratulations and thanks to Livewest (Housing Association) who’ve driven and delivered this project at Foxes Field in the village, and to Classic Builders.